BOLIVAR (FWD PART)(PROBABLY)
Why dive here
With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - BOLIVAR (FWD PART)(PROBABLY) offers some of Northumberland & Northeast's richest wreck diving.
The Bolivar’s forward section, just offshore, is an absolute cracker of a wreck for anyone keen on easy wreck diving. We love that it’s so shallow, only 8 metres, meaning you get fantastic bottom time to really nose around. You’re essentially exploring the bow section of a substantial cargo vessel, well broken but still very identifiable. Look for the massive anchor chains draped across the seabed and the distinct hull plates still standing proud. It’s our favourite spot for a relaxed potter, especially when the visibility’s on your side – usually best on a slack tide after a few days of calm seas. Even on a grey day, the sheer volume of fish here is impressive. Expect to see cod lurking in the shadows, shoals of blennies darting between the plates, and the occasional inquisitive wrasse. It’s perfect for newer wreck divers or photographers wanting to spend time framing shots without worrying about deco. Just remember to time your dive for slack water; the currents can pick up a bit here.
Typical BOLIVAR (FWD PART)(PROBABLY) Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
BOLIVAR (FWD PART)(PROBABLY) Wreck History
Year Sunk
1947
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown
This site is identified as the probable forward section of the Norwegian motor vessel Bolivar, which sank on March 4, 1947. Built in Oslo in 1940 for the Fred Olsen & Co Line, this ship's career spanned the turbulent years of the Second World War, only to meet its end in the North Sea two years after peace was declared. The cause of its sinking remains undocumented, though post-war minefields or severe weather are likely culprits. The ship was on passage from Rosario at the time of its loss.
Diving the 'Fwd Part' of the Bolivar offers a glimpse into the vessel's structure, albeit now heavily collapsed and integrated into the seabed at a very shallow 8 metres. Like its other sections, the wreck is subject to the challenging conditions of the Northeast coast. Exploring this specific part of the wreck allows divers to piece together the story of a vessel that survived a world war but not the unforgiving sea.
Nearest Dive Centres to BOLIVAR (FWD PART)(PROBABLY)
Dive shops near BOLIVAR (FWD PART)(PROBABLY)
Oceandivers Training Ltd
Irish Scuba Academy
Emerald Diving Ireland Limited
Reviews for BOLIVAR (FWD PART)(PROBABLY)
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BOLIVAR (FWD PART)(PROBABLY)
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